Must-Read Books for Middle-Schoolers! Archives ~ Sagarika Blogs

Category: Must-Read Books for Middle-Schoolers!

The Romeo and Juliet Code – Book Review

The Romeo and Juliet Code, By Phoebe Stone -Summary

Summary

The Romeo and Juliet Code is a charming story about a British girl named Felicity Bathburn Budwig. She has been dropped off in Bottlebay, Maine by her parents, during the war in England. They didn’t tell her anything, just left her with her strange Uncle Gideon, an Aunt obsessed with Romeo and Juliet, and some captain who won’t come out of his room.

Months pass as Felicity continues to live with the Bathburns, and she starts to notice strange things happening. Her uncle seems to be hiding letters from her – letters she’s sure are from her parents. A boy named Derek starts helping her with the mystery, and they grow to become friends. But what is Uncle Gideon hiding? Will they be able to crack the code? Where are her parents and will they ever come back?. . .

Review

Felicity (Flissy) is a charming little girl who is trying to make sense of the world around her. There are just too many questions about her parents. About the Bathburns. About the war. Too many new emotions and feelings about the sweet, handsome boy named Derek that she can’t decipher. Younger readers might be able to connect with Flissy’s emotions and feelings as they follow her on her journey to discovering the bold, daring Bathburn she really is.

Anyone who likes mystery will enjoy this book, and I definitely recommend this to them! Mystery, a little humor, and drama make the book worth reading, and it will appeal to readers with all kinds of different interests.

The Mysterious Benedict Society – Book

The Mysterious Benedict Society, By Trenton Lee Stewart

Summary

The Mysterious Benedict Society is a book about a team of very intelligent kids. Only these few passed the test they were given to prove their worth. Because these children were the most brilliant and resourceful, they were given a secret mission. They needed to put an end to Mr. Curtain’s plot to brainwash the world and have everyone at his command. Each kid had different talents, but some of them didn’t get along. If they wanted to save the world, they would need to learn to work together as a team and respect each others’ differences.

Review

This is one of the best mystery novels I have ever read. It has everything: suspense, adventure, humor, and most of all, mystery!

All of the characters in this book are so charming, and they will steal your heart. Their little quirks and imperfections have such an impact on the way you imagine them; And the author beautifully captures it all. Constance seemed to really annoy me because of her personality, but she was the one I was most stunned by in the end.

I could not stop reading this, it had me hooked from the beginning – and kept me hooked. The author paints a clear picture in my head with his style of writing, and it makes it so much more fun to read. Some people are actually bothered by the length, but reading every single captivating detail the book has to give is worth it.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus -Book

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, by Dusti Bowling

In the Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Aven Green has to leave behind her life and move to the hot desert in Arizona, where she had friends who didn’t care about her two missing arms. In fact, every time she was asked this question, she would tell a funny story about how she lost them. The truth is, Aven was born without arms. In Arizona though, people didn’t want to come near her. But then she met Connor, and they quickly became friends.

One day, they found an old shed, with Aven’s initials and a photo of a girl that looked exactly like Aven! Who was she? While investigating, they met a new friend, and found the biggest secret in Aven’s life….

Why you should read it: It’s an inspirational mystery, and totally worth your time!

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/inspiring-stories/

Mean Girls, My New Step-Sister -Book

Mean Girls, Book One, My New Step-Sister, By Katrina Kahler

(5/5) Ages 9+

Mean Girls is a book about how Remmy loved her life back in simple small Sweet Lips. But now she has to move into a random family of strangers in Venice Beach because her dad died, and her mother got remarried. Her new step-sister, Sandy, is a pain, and so are her friends. Well except for Charlie, who is the only one that was actually welcoming. Dealing with Sandy in her new school was going to be hard, but she might be able to make it work with her new friends Bridget and Charlie…

Why you should read this: Drama and humor!

Looking for more like this? Check out this link:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/katrina-kahler/

Hatchet -Book Review

Hatchet, By Gary Paulsen

Summary

Hatchet is a thrilling survival story about a boy named Brian. One day, the plane he was co-piloting crashed, because the driver had a stroke. So Brian is now stranded in the wilderness, alone, with nothing but a hatchet. As he struggles to find ways to survive, Brian thinks about home. He has a secret. The Secret. But he hasn’t told anyone about it, because its one that could tear his family apart. With thoughts of the Secret running around in his head, how will he be able to overcome the challenges he faces in the wilderness?

It was incredible to read Hatchet. Although it was a survival story, the plot didn’t just revolve around that. It was also about Brian’s emotions and personal life. This helped me empathize with the character, which allowed me to connect with him as well. But the actual survival part of this story is filled with action and adventure, which made it fun to read.

Several parts of the book felt like they got too repetitive; This probably bothered a lot of people, and it did, because the repetitions were very distracting.

Overall, great survival story that paints a picture in your head with its vivid details.

Out of my Mind

Out of my Mind, by Sharon M. Draper

(4/5) Ages: Any

In Out of my Mind, a girl named Melody Brooks was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, meaning she can’t walk, she can’t talk, and has no control over her body whatsoever. She’s the smartest girl in her school, but no one knows it. But an opportunity for her to show who she really is comes up, and people start becoming more comfortable with her. Then she gets her first device, a Medi-Talker, designed for kids just like her. With this, Melody Brooks is not going to back down, ever again! She’s ready to show the world what they should really see her for.

Why you should read this: It is inspiring and will leave you wondering just how hard it is for disabled kids/people.

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, By J.K Rowling

(4/5) Ages 9+

An unusual boy named Harry Potter has the ability to do magic. His parents were killed by the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Because of this, he is placed under the care of his mean aunt and uncle, by the headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore. Harry grows up to go to the wizarding school Hogwarts. To him, his parents’ death is a mystery; And with his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry is on a mission to solve it!

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/fantasy/

Big Nate Series

Big Nate, In a Class By Himself, By Lincoln Pierce

(5/5) Ages 9+

Big Nate believes he’s destined for greatness, but middle school is definitely not his place to shine. This changes when he finds a fortune cookie, telling him he’ll “surpass all others”. Teddy and Francis, his two best friends, try to talk some sense into him, but Big Nate’s not budging. The problem is, how will he surpass all others in a middle school called PS 38?

This book is hilarious, as well as all the other books in the series. It’s a joy to read, so what are you waiting for?

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/graphic-novels/

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series -Books

Diary of A Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney

(4/5) Ages 7+

In Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg Heffley is tired of middle school. He’s stuck between a bunch of dorks and morons, with no way out. Things get worse when someone drops a cheese slice on the blacktop and the cheese touch begins. Greg’s anxiety has spiked to a whole new level, but little did he know, things were only just beginning.

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/humor/

Julia Jones’ Diary Series – Book

Julia Jones’ Diary: My Worst Day Ever, By Katrina Kahler

(4/5) Ages 9-12

Julia Jones and her best friend Milly are both talented, and are definitely going to participate in the school’s talent show! So far, her life is so good! But things start changing once the new girl arrives. At first glance, she was sweet and kind. But, Julia came to know her for what she really was, and she had to do something about it, especially when Sarah’s group of friends start hanging out with the boy who’s always on her mind. Little did she know, her day was only just beginning…

Why you should read this: It is full of drama and might relate to your real life experiences!

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/katrina-kahler/